Convergence – Technology’s Transformative Power in Experience Design

In this interview, ELX’s CEO Nicola Kastner speaks with Joan Wells, President, Experience, and Callie Motz, Director, Client Strategy at Augeo —an ELX strategic partner and leader in experience design and engagement technology. Together, they explore how emerging innovations are reshaping corporate event strategy and what it takes to integrate technology in a way that enhances engagement, drives ROI, and creates more meaningful experiences at scale. 

Nicola: As we know, technology is evolving faster than ever, completely reshaping how we design our event experiences. From AI to immersive environments, what innovations do you think are having the biggest impact on engagement at large-scale corporate events right now? 

Callie: With recent advancements, in many ways the playing field has been leveled for technology – it's not just about innovations, but how we thoughtfully leverage nimble solutions alongside clients' existing systems to create meaningful connections in an increasingly polarized world. This widespread accessibility of technology has transformed our approach to experience design. AI is undoubtedly revolutionizing the events industry, but its impact extends far beyond just the attendee-facing elements. At Augeo, we're seeing AI revolutionize the entire process - from planning efficiencies to real-time data collection and analysis. Organizations achieving the most success are those strategically integrating these tools throughout their attendee journey, enhancing each touchpoint rather than implementing standalone features. 

We've moved well past the point where merely stating "we're using AI" is sufficient. With our industry's growing emphasis on personalization, we're seeing remarkable results from technologies that deeply understand stakeholders, deliver hyper-personalized experiences, and facilitate continuous engagement throughout events. These innovations, typically built through API integrations and advanced processing tools, allow us to create meaningful connections while gathering actionable insights that inform future strategies. 

Joan: The reality is that many organizations approach technology integration into their events backwards - they start by asking what new technology they should implement, rather than focusing on the experience they want to create and then identifying the right technological enablers. This is where Augeo’s approach often stands apart. As a full services events agency, our integrated technology team collaborates with our account teams throughout the event planning process, identifying precisely how technology can enhance what's possible rather than dictating the experience. 

The distinction lies not in which innovations we use, but how thoughtfully you design and implement them. Whether we're enhancing traditional platforms like websites and mobile apps or developing standalone solutions, our focus remains on using technology to elevate human connections and achieve measurable business outcomes. Technology serves as a powerful tool, but the experience design principles guide every decision. 

Nicola: Joan, in your experience, how do you think event leaders strike the right balance between embracing digital innovation and fostering authentic human connections? 

Joan: No matter how sophisticated technology becomes, it cannot replace the authentic community building that creates genuine belonging, engagement, and connection that really fuels events. At Augeo, we maintain an unwavering commitment to keeping humans at the center of everything we design. Every experience we create begins by viewing the world through the attendee's eyes - understanding their needs, motivations, and desired outcomes. 

The ultimate goal is always to foster deeper connections - between attendees and each other, and between attendees and the brand. Technology serves as an essential tool in this process, allowing us to be more strategic and efficient in how we accomplish these core objectives. That's why we consistently work with our clients to design the attendee experience first - defining what you want them to think, feel, and do - and then thoughtfully integrate technology as needed to create that desired experience and deliver measurable results. 

This philosophy embodies our passion for the convergence of technology and experience design. As quickly as technology is advancing, it’s critical these two ideas are never viewed in isolation. The most impactful experiences emerge when technology and human-centered design work together, creating something greater than either could achieve independently. 

Nicola:  Callie, recently it was announced that you will be co-chairing the agenda for the ELX Annual Congress 2025, where the theme is ‘Future-Ready Leadership.’ What are the key strategies corporate event leaders should adopt to future-proof their experience design approach and ensure technology remains an enabler rather than a disruptor? 

Callie: In our recently released trends report, the first trend we address is that experience has evolved into an essential business strategy. Organizations are increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences to drive sales, enhance employee retention, and build brand loyalty, often surpassing traditional marketing efforts. We're seeing marketing and sales teams turn to Experience divisions as the central hub for data collection, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact. Companies that embrace this shift - developing data-driven experience strategies - are distinguishing themselves in today's competitive landscape. 

One particularly revealing statistic from the last ELX forum showed that only 30% of experience data is ever shared beyond the immediate business unit. This represents a tremendous missed opportunity. Forward-thinking experience leaders must forge stronger partnerships with their marketing and sales counterparts, crafting compelling data narratives that demonstrate how experiences directly influence broader business outcomes.  Strategic technology integration enables organizations to accomplish gather richer data and generate actionable insights that inform larger business strategies. This approach not only secures more resources for experience initiatives but also amplifies their potential impact.  

In addition to the creation of strong partnerships, the key is approaching technology as a contributor, not a cure-all - avoiding the temptation of "shiny object syndrome" that can distract from core objectives. Technology should always enable experiences, rather than experiences being designed around technology. 

Nicola: As leaders in this space, what advice would you give to event leaders to ensure new experience design tools are driving ROI and creating long-term value? What strategies have you seen work best when it comes to using technology for measurable impact? 

Callie: We always recommend beginning each experience engagement by mapping a comprehensive data journey - identifying what information will be most valuable and how it will be shared with other business leaders across the organization. Only then do we design the attendee touchpoints and determine the appropriate technologies to deploy. This approach ensures that every technology integration serves a specific, measurable purpose. 

We also encourage event leaders to actively participate in industry communities like ELX and cultivate relationships with trusted partners who can provide insights into emerging best practices and innovative models. There's tremendous value in collective wisdom, especially in a field evolving as rapidly as ours. 

Joan: It's crucial to recognize that no single approach works universally. At Augeo, we embrace our responsibility as an agency partner to evaluate each organization's unique needs and design experiences that align with their specific value proposition. This tailored approach, combined with a deep expertise in both technology and human-centered design, allows us to create experiences that drive measurable business results while forming meaningful connections that endure long after the event concludes. 

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In conclusion, the future of corporate events lies in the convergence of technology and human-centered experience design. By taking a data-driven approach, forging stronger cross-functional partnerships, and maintaining a clear focus on attendee experience, event leaders can unlock new levels of impact.  

Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s the thoughtful application of these advancements that will define the next era of event strategy—one where experiences not only captivate but also deliver measurable business outcomes that extend far beyond the event itself.  

About Event Leaders Exchange (ELX)  

Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) is an exclusive, member-led community exclusively for senior corporate event leaders at the world’s largest organizations. By fostering collaboration and innovative thinking, ELX drives meaningful change across the industry. For more information, visit https://www.eventleaders.com/.